Keep the Lamp of Knowledge and Service to Humanity Burning Bright: Prof. Farooq Afzal

Educational Institutions Must Focus on Character Building Alongside Academic Education: Medical Teacher

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Character Building Society of Ameer-ud-Din Medical College (AMC) organized a conference titled “Chiragh-e-Rah” on the theme “The Purpose of Life is to Serve Others” at Lahore General Hospital (LGH).

Renowned medical teachers and professionals, including Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayaz, Prof. Dr. Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arshad Cheema and Prof. Huma Arshad Cheema, attended the conference. Chief Organizer Prof. Amna Ahsan Cheema, faculty members and a large number of male and female students of the college also participated.

Principal Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal said the fundamental purpose of a medical college was not merely to produce doctors holding degrees but to nurture individuals of enlightened character who could combine professional medical expertise with a strong spirit of service to humanity.

He said patients were the greatest trust placed in the hands of doctors. Treating them with courtesy, patience and respect and bringing a smile to their faces represented the true essence of the medical profession.

Prof. Farooq Afzal emphasized that meaningful transformation in medical education and the healthcare system could only be achieved by promoting compassion and high moral values alongside professional qualifications.

The medical teachers said the greatness of the white coat was not confined to diagnosing and treating diseases. Its true significance lay in becoming a healer of humanity’s pain and suffering.

They urged medical students to become true servants of humanity who could understand the physical and emotional suffering of patients rather than limiting themselves to the role of ordinary physicians. They also stressed the importance of serving people without discrimination and becoming a source of support for those in need.

Prof. Amna Ahsan Cheema said the moral and spiritual development of the younger generation was one of the most pressing needs of the present era. She stressed that educational institutions must give equal importance to character building alongside academic and curricular education to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the white coat.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants reaffirmed their commitment to making service to humanity their guiding principle.

Principal Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal, accompanied by faculty members, distributed honorary shields among the participating medical teachers and certificates among the medical students.

Prof. Farah Shafique, Prof. Tayyaba Gul Malik, Prof. Muhammad Shahid, Prof. Atif Shahzad, Prof. Alia Bashir, Prof. Shandana Tariq, Dr. Shaista Mubeen, Dr. Saira Zeeshan, Dr. Muhammad Ilyas, Dr. Abdul Aziz and other faculty members were also present on the occasion.